Mark Olsen (Vernon + Areas B & C)

2026 Election Candidate

What measurable outcomes would define success for you after one term?

I have served as a Trustee for 8 years and I am seeking my third term. In District 22 we have been successful in improving most but not all of the measurable outcomes. We have seen improvements in our students feeling safe at school, we are trending in the right direction for graduation rates, and our literacy results are very good. We do need more attention paid to numeracy/literacy in the earlier grades

What do you see as the top three challenges currently facing the school district?

Funding can overshadow all concerns, but I feel we are on the right path for our students success. The three areas we must address are success rates for First Nation students and diverse learners, as well as numeracy/literacy in the early years of student education.

What are your top priorities for improving student achievement?

Our student Early Learning Department has embarked on addressing literacy and numeracy at earlier stages in our students development. We have seen and hope to continue to see marked improvements in these areas. Another priority is our Indigenous Education department. Embracing implementing the Truth and Reconciliation directives is important. Additional supports for Indigenous students and our diverse learners may be required.

What are your priorities for school facilities (e.g., aging infrastructure, overcrowding, environmental upgrades)?

School District 22 maintenance department has a continuing program of upgrades that not only extends the life of our schools but many of our upgrades also have an environmental impact. We recently reported out that over the last 4 years the district has reduced our CO2 emissions by 270 tons per year (1100 tons total), 550,000 kwh/yr (2,200,00 kwh total), and reduced water consumption by 9,500 cubic meters per year (16% reduction). This is something we are very proud of.

How would you like to see climate action prioritized at the governance level so that it guides decisions around infrastructure, operations, and student learning?

As previously indicated, climate action is a priority for myself and the Board. I feel we consider environmental concerns when making decisions if and when they are applicable. One example is over the past few years we have purchased electric buses to replace some older diesel buses. This was our initiative and not a government directive although the Province did contribute to the costs.

How will you monitor and improve progress toward safe, caring, and inclusive schools?

We receive the "Framework for Enhancing Student Learning", and "How are we doing" reports from the Ministry which includes data on students satisfaction and feeling of being welcome and safe. I believe we have made progress but there is always room for improvement.

We also like to hear from our students through "Student Voice".

What specific actions would you prioritize to support Indigenous student success and reconciliation?

We must continue on with the initiatives we have implemented. Our Indigenous Education Department does a fantastic job on monitoring and implementing programs to bring about a more successful experience for our Indigenous students. This includes having Indigenous Outreach Workers to make contact with families to find out ways to assist as well as utilizing our Early Learning and Childcare Department.

How would you handle controversial issues and/or competing interests?

My decisions are always considering what is best for the student. Will this help them succeed? Will this be detrimental to a child? Many controversial issues are the result of misinformation. When issues arise it is important to have the relevant facts and base decisions on those facts.

How will you engage meaningfully with parents, caregivers, and the broader community?

Our Board meets with our District Parent Advisory Committee at their monthly meetings to hear concerns and share information on initiatives and results. We open up our meetings to online participants for those who can not make it to a Board Meeting and receive submissions for presentations from Employee groups and others. When invited I have attended Parent Advisory meetings to share and hear concerns.